Understanding Anxiety: Turning Fear into Power and Resilience

2023-11-07 20:13:34

Last year, Netflix released “No Fear of the Stars,” an Italian film directed by Andrea Jublin. This film, beyond its plot, becomes a window to the hearts of those who face anxiety in their daily lives. Although it is mixed with comedy and touches of romance, the film shows us how seemingly simple social activities, such as attending a work meeting, a date or even enjoying a party, can be real challenges.

Vanessa Mendez Cardenas, psychotherapist, explains that anxiety is a complex emotional response that encompasses various dimensions. From the physical point of view, with symptoms such as muscle tension, sweating, fatigue and an increase in heart rate; to cognitive dimensions that include intrusive thoughts, sadness and fear. Furthermore, she emphasizes that anxiety can manifest itself in different areas of our lives: at work, in relationships or in the family.

Anxiety has its roots in childhood and it is very difficult to eliminate it. Self-compassion and acceptance are tools that help us cope. We must learn to accept this aspect of ourselves as a characteristic, without criticizing it.

Vanessa Mendez Cardenas, psychotherapist

HOW DOES ANXIETY ACT?

Imagine anxiety as that initial shock we experience when we hear a loud noise, like a knock on the door. That shock automatically fills us with fear and trepidation, preparing us for any possible danger. Anxiety shares a similar purpose: its goal is to alert us and help us adapt to changing situations. We can conceive of it as a mechanism that tells us that something requires our attention, in the same way that startle focuses us on a possible threat.

It guides us to explore our concerns, similar to how we investigate a door noise and discover that it is not as threatening as we thought. It prompts us to explore our concerns and, in doing so, we can understand that they do not always represent imminent danger. Anxiety seeks to help us, similar to how we seek to understand the truth behind that initial noise that scared us.

HOW TO TURN ANXIETY INTO AN ALLY?

People often tend to blame themselves or desperately struggle to change a situation when they are affected by anxiety, causing great frustration, Mendez says. These feelings of frustration and guilt can hinder our ability to manage anxiety effectively. However, it is important to remember that anxiety can be considered an ally that keeps us alert.

When we face real danger, anxiety becomes a valuable resource that allows us to act quickly and accurately. It might be compared to a protective instinct that guides us towards prudence, caution and anticipation of situations. In these moments, anxiety acts as a kind of beacon that illuminates the path to resolution, reminding us that we are willing to overcome any obstacle in our search for security and well-being.

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